We enjoy a range of partnerships with other providers and resources which ensure the college is at the heart of the learners’ community.

Learners are able to access a range of additional courses, particularly in their final year, at local tertiary providers. Currently this operates with:

• City College, Brighton
• Sussex Downs College (Lewes Campus)

Additionally, to offer learning opportunities within the community, we work closely with the following:

• Care Co-ops
• Whitehawk Community Food Project
• Brighton & Hove Gymnastics Club

The College is part of the South East Region Independent Specialist Colleges Peer Development Group. As a group we are able to support each other to ensure the sector can contribute and respond to national agendas and initiatives. A particular focus of our work centres on quality assurance and the group manages peer reviews of provision using Ofsted criteria and methodology.

The other members are:

• National College for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE), Lingfield
• Nash College, Bromley (part of Livability)
• Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy (New Forest)
• The Mount, Wadurst
• Orchard Hill College (Carshalton)
• Brain Injury Centre, Surrey
• Westgate College, Margate

NATSPEC

St John’s is a member of the National Association of Specialist Colleges (NATSPEC). Natspec is a membership association for independent specialist colleges that provide further education or training for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Natspec supports the concept of informed choice for all learners, including those with learning difficulties and / or disabilities. It believes that specialist provision should always be one of the choices available within an inclusive system; specialist colleges can give young people their first real taste of independence and equip them to realise their aspirations.

For more information visit natspec.org.uk